Kingston defeated Jon Moxley in the final of a tournament to crown the inaugural championship. Other participants included Andrade El Idolo, Brody King, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Jay Lethal, Jay White, Mark Briscoe, Rush, and Swerve Strickland. As Kingston is also R.O.H. World and N.J.P.W. Strong Openweight champion, the title is also referred to as the American Triple Crown Championship.